The First Pilot Fee pay check

Well, I was rummaging through the Safety Pilot's treasure trough of stuff again, and came up with this little gem. This is the very First pay check that I received for services rendered; note the Pilot Fee notation. For the low low price of just a dollar a jumper, I was paid $11 on my first day.

I flew four flights that day consisting of three flights of four passengers and one of three passengers.

Now,... I know your scratching you heads right now trying to figure out whether my math is off, and I'll bet that you're even talking to the computer, trying to tell me in your own words "Hey EG, ya big dope - or least I know the Not So is, that three flights of four and one flight of three far exceeds $11.

The catch is, and I even didn't understand it until I got my first check, but as it turns out, I wasn't getting paid for the Jump-master which accompanies each flight.  But I figured that; where else could I get a half hour of flight time for each flight, and get Short-field takeoff experience associated with power-lines at one end and high trees at the other and get paid for it too.

So I stuck around for the weekend flying all summer. And NO, I never tried it. Why jump out of a perfectly good airplane, even if the engine quits.    

             

The Captain's Wafers

Many moons ago (APR to be exact) I once again had the distinct pleasure of flying with some very special bird men, yes I'm speaking of those brethern aviators belonging to the Jellystone Air Park group.  Anytime I take flight with any one of these gentlemen, I am always filled with a great sense of enjoyment of camaraderie that I don't seem to find anywhere else.  They are all kindred spirits with the same temperament and ideal of life.

So, it is with great admiration for these gentlemen that I offer you all a ceremonial Captain's Wafer 

The Safety Pilot's first Jet upgrade

Well, I was rummaging through the ole' treasure trove of Airline Memorabilia again, I guess I must be figuring that I'll come across something really interesting to write about one of these days, but alas this was the only thing I came across in the pile that you hadn't seen before.  Maybe as I dig deeper, some real gems will pop up.

Anyway, this is of me, the EG on DEC 12, 1992, shortly after my upgrade to the B-737.  This upgrade was when I moved my Domicile to SFO before we moved from Chicago to the Bay area.  The NSEG and, his then girlfriend, Nancy kindly put me up for about three months. The Landlord in Chicago wouldn't let us out of our lease and so I commuted to sit reserve during my "On Call" days. Interestingly enough, I seemed to get trips out of OAK, this was pretty convenient at the time as Bob and Nancy were living out in Pleasanton at the time. 

During this time, I also learned to play a very guarded game of "High Ho Cheerio"with Ashley.  If any of you every play with her, watch out - she takes no prisoners.

Anyway, I thought you all might get a chuckle,

The EG 



  
 

A Pilot Retirement Poem

Pilot Retirement Poem

Once the wings go on, they never come off whether they can be seen or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline, and no one who has ever worn them with pride, integrity and guts can ever sleep through the 'call of the wild' that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.

When a good pilot or aircrew leaves the 'job' and retires, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the world of flying, there is a fellowship, which lasts long after the flight suits are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is. Because we flew, we envy no man on earth.

-Author Unknown

PBA Flour Bomb Invitational April 21, 2012

Here is the fleet lined up and ready for T/O, just as soon as the fog lifts at PBA

This is Gary work'in that GPS box on the dash in front him.

This is the line up of aircraft after we arrived at PBA.  See'em all below.

Taylorcraft

The Hatz

Here I am in front of Eddie "Beautiful" C-140.  I am so jealous!, just kidding Eddie. 

Baby Ace

Here's Nance telling me, "NO" you can't have one.  Sister can be so Cruel!

For our newest member to the Jellystone Air Park Aces

In honor of our newest member (Brad "Skipper" Wigren) to the Jellystone Air Park Aces.  I just happen to have found an appropriately titled Baggage Sticker from Northwest in the "Flett Aviation Archives" treasure trove (aka - the bin of goodies).   

A little blast from the Past

Afternoon, I found this little gem in one our family photo albums. I guess Bob is one of the family since the kids call him Uncle Bob.  This was taken in 1993 as Bob and I were still lowly First Officers (Co-Pilots). He was living in Pleasanton, CA with Nancy.